Inclusion Matters

JUNE 2025

Big Sister, Bigger Impact

For Monica Petrus, life hasn’t always been easy, but it’s always been filled with purpose. Diagnosed with spina bifida when she was 20 weeks in utero, she’s used a wheelchair since the age of two. That alone would be a significant challenge for many, but Monica has steadily built a life grounded in independence, joy, and quiet strength – qualities that have made her a pillar in her close-knit family and a role model to her four younger siblings.

While Monica has always approached life with strength and determination, it’s not just the wheelchair that presents challenges…it’s the assumptions that come with it. “When people see someone in a wheelchair, they assume it’s more than just a physical thing,” said Louann Herman, Monica’s longtime Mentor through Advocates. “They don’t expect someone like Monica to be independent, capable, or social, but she is all of those things.” Both Monica and Louann can recall situations where people assumed Monica’s incompetence or inability to do certain things, none of which was actually the case. “She accepts everyone without judgment, because that’s what she’s hoped for for herself all along,” Louann told us. “I admire that so much about her.” But even with her grace, Monica faces daily barriers most don’t see, like struggling with household chores not built for accessibility, or navigating public spaces that overlook basic needs. 

“Ever since I started working with Monica, I started noticing how the world was built without her and others like her in mind,” said another of Monica’s mentors, Elyssa Stallcup (pictured left). “I’ve noticed that parking spaces need more accessible spaces, walkways need to be paved more often, and aisles need more space.” Those who have been in Monica’s shoes have experienced firsthand just how challenging things can be. After spending just two months in a wheelchair herself years ago due to a serious injury, Louann said the experience was both humbling and eye-opening. “That situation made everything so real to me, and I started seeing things through Monica’s eyes,” she said. “You try to be as independent as possible, but things as simple as a soap dispenser being too high or a door being too heavy…it really wears on you.” Through it all, Monica never complains. “Nothing gets her down and nothing breaks her spirit,” Louann added. “She’s just that resilient.”

Living on Onondaga Hill with her family, Monica’s days are described as full and rewarding. She works as a front-end cashier at Lowe’s, volunteers at St. Lucy’s Food Pantry, and spends her summers working guest services at local concerts at the Lakeview Amphitheatre. Her early years volunteering in the afterschool childcare program at the YMCA helped her discover a passion for working with kids, ultimately leading her to study Early Childhood Education at Onondaga Community College.

Though naturally shy at first, Monica lights up around others. She loves country music, downhill skiing, family vacations, and Syracuse basketball games. Her joy is contagious, and her reliability is unmatched. “She’s beyond committed to her family, her job, and all of her other obligations,” Louann said.

That commitment is especially felt at home. As the oldest sibling, Monica has taken on increased responsibility – so much so that her parents, who once had to juggle full-time caregiving with work, can now rely on her for anything they need. “It’s taken some time for her to realize,” Louann noted, “but she’s so important to the family’s overall function.” Her presence allows her parents to work full-time again, and her siblings know they can count on her, even if Monica didn’t realize just how closely they’ve been watching. “I never really thought about it until recently,” Monica said. “I didn’t know how much they looked up to me.”

But they do. One of her sisters, who lives with a heart condition, often turns to Monica as a source of strength and guidance. Her younger brother even wrote about her in his college application essay. “I try to be there for anything they need,” Monica said. “If she can get through the stuff that she has, they can get through anything, especially with her help,” Louann added.

Being a role model isn’t easy. Monica is quick to laugh, deeply humble, and never one to boast. But her actions speak volumes. Whether she’s navigating the treacherous Black Diamond slope at Labrador Mountain in her adaptive ski chair or advocating for better accessibility in the community, Monica leads by example in the face of sheer adversity. She once contacted local news outlets to shine a light on the lack of accessible spaces, which prompted real change for others in similar situations. Whether it’s been achieving long-term goals like advocating for others, managing multiple jobs, or mastering everyday tasks, Monica has come into her own. She’s found a life that balances work, family, and fun. “I’m happy doing what I’m doing now,” she told us with a big smile. “I’ve found a great balance."

Monica was quick to admit that that balance is partially due to her mentors, including Louann (pictured left), the support she receives from them, and the overall support she feels from Advocates.

“I love how Advocates provides avenues to get people out of their comfort zone while enabling them to do things that people want to do,” she said. “It’s never been easy for me to have to ask for help, but my mentors encourage it when necessary. I can come to them for anything, and that’s why I appreciate them so much.”

Someday, Monica dreams of visiting and possibly moving to Nashville, Tennessee, drawn by her love of country music and the fact that she has a cousin who lives there. Encouraged by her mom, she’s starting to see that dream as something in reach.

Monica’s story isn’t one of overnight transformation. It’s one of daily choices, quiet courage, and a deep love for her family. In a world that too often underestimates people based on what can be seen, Monica is rewriting the script, showing that true leadership doesn’t always come from being the loudest voice, but sometimes from simply being there every day, with love, reliability, and resilience.

Do you have a friend or family member who

would make a great Mentor?

If so, please encourage them to apply on our website.

We look forward to meeting them!

Our event was a huge success, because of you!

Despite an uncertain forecast, the weather turned out beautifully for Advocates' 7th Annual Stroll & Roll 5K! The day was filled with camaraderie, laughter, and fun for the whole family. On May 17th, more than 200 participants gathered at Onondaga Lake Park to help raise awareness and support for individuals with disabilities. Our inclusive 5K welcomed everyone to join at their own pace and featured trophies and cash prizes for top finishers. Attendees also enjoyed a grilled lunch, family-friendly games, live entertainment, and more! We were thrilled to see so many smiling faces and are already looking forward to next year’s event!

A heartfelt thank you to all

of our race participants, generous sponsors and donors, special guests, and Advocates’ incredible staff, volunteers, and planning committee. Your dedication made our event a true success!

Our mission is not possible without charitable contributions, and we are so appreciative of the generosity of our selfless sponsors and donors.

Individual Donors

Anonymous

Lisa Walsh Alton

Nick Austin

Massiva Bacha

Nathan Barber

Lola Creighton

Sandy Finn

Carol Gentry

Leslie Gorke

Olivia Grogan

Mary Guilfoyle

Cheri Haskins

Kathleen LaGrow

Leah Marvin

Chelsea McClellan

Robert Morton

Bob Murrett

Kimberly Parody

Jenna Valerino

Colleen Tanner

Michael Yudikaitis

We also thank everyone who participated in our online auction, especially the many generous local businesses who contributed an item or service to be auctioned-off.

Sponsors and Donors

Auburn Chain Saw & Mower

Butler Fence

Cathedral Candle Company

Delmonico Insurance

The Dugliss Family

Empower Federal Credit Union

Excellus BlueCross BlueShield

Ford Davidson of Clay

Kay Real Estate

KeyBank Foundation

Kinney Drugs

MarshMcLennan Agency

Murray's Restaurant & Tavern

Price Chopper Golub Foundation

Ryan Funeral Home

Second Chance Diner

Skaneateles Rotary Club Foundation, Inc.

Stewart's

Wegmans

Dreamnight 2025 was a hit, and we even avoided the raindrops! On June 6th, Advocates teamed up with other local service providers and the Rosamond Gifford Zoo to create a memorable evening of fun, food, and entertainment for families and friends - and of course, some quality time with the animals! A huge thank you to everyone who came out to join the celebration, as well as to our incredible volunteers. Your dedication and hard work made this event possible, bringing joy to hundreds of people. We truly appreciate you all!

Career-Specific Vocational

Training Program

Monday, June 16 @ 6pm

(virtual event)

Presented by Erin Leahey

Vocational Training Specialist/Lead Program, AccessCNY Employment Department

Traveling With Your Special Needs Child/Adult

Monday, July 28 @ 6pm (virtual event)

Presented by Barbara Hoffman

Assistant Coordinator,

Parent to Parent of NYS

Although these events are free to attend, eligible individuals must be enrolled in our FSS Training program in order to register.

We hope you'll join us anytime between 4-9pm on Tuesday, June 24th for our next Dine For Dollars event at Texas Roadhouse in Clay (3830 State Rte. 31). 

Texas Roadhouse will generously donate 10% of all pre-tax sales back to Advocates. Please be sure to show the waitstaff the attached flyer, by clicking the button below.

On behalf of our individuals, families, and employees, thank you for your anticipated support! We hope to see you there!

Pride Month is a powerful reminder of the importance of love, acceptance, and solidarity. At Advocates, we stand with the LGBTQIA+ community - not just in June, but all year long. Let's continue to uplift every voice, celebrate our differences, and create a world where everyone feels seen, valued, and respected!

June 19, 2025 is Juneteenth, the commemoration of the end of slavery in the U.S. Today provides the opportunity to celebrate liberation, reflect on the racial and social injustices that have unfortunately lingered for centuries, and educate ourselves on Black history and anti-racism to build a better tomorrow.

To learn more about Juneteenth and its significance, please click here.

Did you know?

Advocates' Executive Director, Amy Dugliss, and Self-Advocate, Nicholas Courgi, collaborate each month to bring you an Advocates-themed podcast! The Inclusion Matters Podcast can be found by searching "Inclusion Matters Advocates" on Amazon Music and Spotify.

We hope you'll tune in monthly to hear inspiring stories from Advocates!

In case you missed it!

Check out a previous edition's spotlight on Michael Novara and his dedicated mentor, Vince Vercillo!